Tsunami warnings were lifted after a 7.9 earthquake hit southwest of Indonesia last night.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) the quake reported an epicenter of 805km (500 miles) south-west of Padang city in Indonesia, and was 24 km deep.

The USGS further said that an ‘aftershock of 5.6 magnitude, and at a shallow depth of 10 kms (six miles), struck on Thursday morning about 784 kms (487 miles) south-southwest of the Sumataran island port of Padang’.

No deaths or damage is yet reported, however people are still dreading a tsunami. However, though such warnings were issued, no tsunami occurred.

"We do not believe that there will be an earthquake of greater strength," the National Meteorological Agency said, "And so residents are urged to keep calm and not be taken in by rumors."